SURGICAL ADAPTER ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH ENDOSCOPE

1 - 20 . (canceled)

21 . A selectively removable connector adapter for use in connecting a medical device to an endoscope, the connector adapter comprising:

a shaft member defined by a proximal end and a distal end and having a passageway extending therethrough and configured for receiving a portion of a medical device;

a support member; and

at least two connecting members that are pivotally connected to the support member;

wherein the distal end of the shaft member is fixedly attached to the support member; and

wherein the connecting members cooperate to define a cavity therein for receiving a proximal portion of an endoscope to selectively secure the connector adapter to the endoscope.

22 . The connector adapter of claim 21 , wherein the connecting members are each pivotally attached to the support member by a living hinge disposed along a lateral edge of the support member.

23 . The connector adapter of claim 22 , wherein one of the connecting members includes at least one locking tab and the other of the connecting members includes at least one corresponding retaining groove, wherein the locking tab is configured to be selectively received and retained within the corresponding receiving groove to secure the connector adapter to a portion of the proximal end of an endoscope.

24 . The connector adapter of claim 22 , wherein each connecting member further includes a mount surface that is disposed adjacent a distal side of the support member, when the connecting members are pivoted toward one another.

25 . The connector adapter of claim 24 , wherein each connecting member further comprises a contacting face that each may engage with a corresponding contacting face that is disposed on edges of the support member, adjacent the living hinges.

26 . The connector adapter of claim 25 , wherein each contacting face of the connecting members are angled.

27 . The connector adapter of claim 26 , wherein each contacting face of the support member is angled.

28 . The connector adapter of claim 21 , further comprising a seal member disposed adjacent a distal side of the support member.

29 . A selectively removable connector adapter for use in connecting a medical device to an endoscope, the connector adapter comprising:

a shaft member defined by a proximal end and a distal end and having a passageway extending therethrough and configured for receiving a portion of a medical device;

a support member;

a seal member disposed adjacent a distal side of the support member; and

at least two connecting members that are pivotally connected to the support by a living hinge disposed along a lateral edge of the support member;

wherein the distal end of the shaft member is fixedly attached to the support member; and

wherein the connecting members cooperate to define a cavity therein for receiving a proximal portion of an endoscope to selectively secure the connector adapter to the endoscope.

30 . The connector adapter of claim 29 , wherein one of the connecting members includes at least one locking tab and the other of the connecting members includes at least one corresponding retaining groove, wherein the locking tab is configured to be selectively received and retained within the corresponding receiving groove to secure the connector adapter to a portion of the proximal end of an endoscope.

31 . The connector adapter of claim 30 , wherein each connecting member further includes a mount surface that is disposed adjacent a distal side of the support member, when the connecting members are pivoted toward one another.

32 . The connector adapter of claim 29 , wherein each connecting member further comprises a contacting face that each may engage with a corresponding contacting face that is disposed on edges of the support member, adjacent the living hinges.

33 . The connector adapter of claim 32 , wherein each contacting face of the connecting members are angled.

34 . The connector adapter of claim 33 , wherein each contacting face of the support member is angled.